The 18-year-old, from Dun Laoghaire, South Dublin, slipped away in hospital surrounded by her heartbroken family.

One pal paid tribute to her last night: “Ana I’m so incredibly lucky to have had the pleasure of knowing such a determined, ambitious, fun-loving girl. Rest In Peace movie star.”

Family and friends of Ana Hick paid tribute to the tragic teen last night as gardai hunted for the dealers who sold her lethal drugs.

The 18-year-old collapsed outside the Twisted Pepper nightclub in central Dublin on Friday after taking dodgy ecstasy while out celebrating the end of her first year in college.

Doctors were able to resuscitate her after her heart stopped but she didn’t recover and passed away last night surrounded by family.

Dozens of pals streamed in to the Mater Hospital last night to pay tribute to Ana, who was due to celebrate her 19th birthday tomorrow.

Ana Hick

A family friend, who did not want to be named, said everyone has been left devastated by the death of the former Loreto College pupil, from Dun Laoghaire, South Dublin.

The pal added: “It is incredibly sad. Ana was such a nice girl, so full of life.

“Obviously everyone is heartbroken. It wasn’t looking good [on Saturday] but there was still a tiny bit of hope. Her parents are suffering something terrible.

“Ana was so close to her mother Elga, they were like two peas in a pod. There are no words to sum up the grief people are feeling. It will take a long time before people can get over this.”

Devastated family and friends posted touching tributes online.

Pal Conor Watters wrote: “Ana I’m so incredibly lucky to have had the pleasure of knowing such a determined, ambitious, fun-loving girl!

“From the first time we met at Star Wars auditions (waiting 6 hours in the cold and rain) where we had the best craic I knew you were special! Rest In Peace movie star, you’re truly amazing!”

Karin Isabella O’Connor said: “My beautiful Ana has lost her fight. You fought hard till the end and my heart is broken.

“I won’t believe that I will not see you again because you will be in my heart always.

“I hope you can give me some of the strength you have shown us these past 36 hours, to be there for all you have left behind.

“Thank you for being such a big part of my life, my 2nd daughter. Love you forever my Ana guapita.”

Earlier yesterday Elga posted a touching photo on social media of the pair together.

Elga and Ana Hick

They were extremely close and the Facebook page has a number of videos showing them larking around in the car, singing and rapping.

A statement from the Twisted Pepper nightclub said everyone there “is deeply saddened and devastated at the news”.

It added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ana’s family and friends at this tragic time.

“We are working closely with the authorities and out of respect for Ana and her family we cannot comment further at this time.”

The Loreto school management, principal, staff and students offered their sympathies to the teenager's family, friends and class of 2014.

They also posted a prayer for her on the school website.

"Today is such a sad day for so many people in our school community," the school said.

"All of us who knew Ana will remember her as someone who was full of life and laughter, full of fun and talent. Her sad death reminds us again of the bonds we form as a school community. Even though one of us may no longer be here in the building our presence can still be felt.

"When we lose one of our own we all feel the loss."

The Loreto school said the teenager's parents were in their thoughts.

"We remember her parents. The depth of the loss they must be feeling today is unimaginable. May they find support in the people around them," the school said.

"And we remember Ana's friends both here in school and far beyond - she loved and appreciated you and our prayers are with you today too."

Rachel Sarah Murphy, founder and director of the Irish Film Academy, paid a heartfelt tribute to the teenager describing her as positive, fun-loving and sweet with an infectious laugh.

"She was one of life's beautiful people," she said.

"Our gorgeous classmate and friend Ana who shone so bright in life has taken her place amongst the stars. Ana your infectious laughter will ring out in the IFA forever. We love you. Shine bright xx."

The pills Ana is suspected of taking are made of PMMA, a cheaper alternative to ecstasy which is believed to be flooding the country.

Dr Chris Luke, a consultant in emergency medicine at Cork University Hospital, previously warned that help for people on such drugs is complicated because the chemicals are so new.